MargaretAnn (Smith) Seeley

The daughter of Earnest Barcroft and Margaret Morrow (Bates) Smith, she was born July 4, 1929, in Topeka, Kan., and delighted in the nation annually celebrating her birthday with fireworks.

Margaret graduated from Topeka High School in 1947 and attended Washburn University, Topeka.

She married Norman Lee Seeley July 25, 1950, and they drove to California, living in the San Diego area. In 1956, they moved to the Los Angeles - Long Beach area, where she lived the remainder of her life. They had three children: Daniel Scott, born July 9, 1954; Nancy Lee, born June 12, 1956; and Kelly Brent, born July 18, 1960.

An avid sports fan, Margaret played volleyball on community teams into her 70s. She was particularly devoted to the men's and women's volleyball teams at California State University-Long Beach. She attended their games with her good friend Bobbie Schmidt as part of an unofficial two-woman fan club adept at attending potlucks held for the players and their families.

Margaret also loved a good bargain and for many years regularly investigated weekend garage sales with her bicycle and a predetermined route. She also had a keen interest in happy hours, clubhouse potlucks, the Dollar Store, coupons and free entertainment, in particular local outdoor concerts.

An accomplished duplicate bridge player, she competed regularly at the Lakewood Senior Citizen's Club at Palms Park and, by all accounts, dominated. In previous years, she played with the Long Beach Senior Duplicate Bridge Club.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband, who died Dec. 6, 2006, a son, Kelly, who died June 26, 2013, and two sisters: Patricia Ann Smith, who died at 3 years old, and Nancy Ann Smith, who died Oct. 3, 2008.

She is survived by son Daniel Scott Seeley and his wife, Mary, of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; daughter Nancy Lee Orth and her husband, Adam, of Greenfield, Mass.; granddaughters Spirit Seeley of Henderson, Nev., and Abrah Orth of Springfield, Mass; and great-granddaughter Morgan Seeley.

There was a celebration of Margaret's life held on Sunday, July 26 at the Belmont Shores Mobile Estates clubhouse in Long Beach. Domenico's pizza, Alsace Lorraine carrot cake and additional dishes brought by guests -- Margaret's favorites -- were served. Friends and family were encouraged to bring stories to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Los Alamitos Medical Center Auxiliary, 3751 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, care of Susan Morales, or to the .

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